Senator Addabbo Casts Vote in Support of Bill S. 4285B
Queens, NY - In order to crack down on illegal
housing arrangements that can lead to overcrowding, serious safety issues, and
burdens on municipal resources, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens)
recently voted to support legislation (S.4285B) that would permit on-site
inspections of suspicious advertised housing opportunities.
“All too often, unscrupulous landlords – taking
advantage of limited housing options – will advertise apartments for rent in
buildings or individual housing units that are already beyond capacity,” said
Addabbo.
“This is dangerous and unfair to the existing
building occupants, tenants who may move into overcrowded, substandard housing,
and neighborhoods that may become overburdened by an increased need for
resources. Slumlords shouldn’t be able to brazenly advertise illegal
housing, line their pockets with rental payments and then laugh all the way to
the bank.”
Specifically, the legislation would enable
municipal housing authorities and tax assessors to conduct on-site inspections
of residential housing that is advertised or otherwise offered for rent and
that exceeds the zoning certificate of occupancy.
Owners of the housing will be served with
notices of violation and provided with at least seven days to prove that they
are in compliance with zoning and occupancy laws, or be subject to inspections
of the property.
“We can’t allow the greed of some to override
the need to abide by zoning laws, decent housing standards, building codes and
other regulations that help to ensure safe and habitable homes for tenants and
that provide for stable neighborhoods,” added Addabbo.
According to the Senator, the issue of illegally
converted homes is one of the more popular complaints forwarded by
constituents, and he believes this legislation would protect tenants and
law-abiding landlords and lift burdens on city services that result from
illegal housing arrangements.
The legislation was passed unanimously by the
Senate and is under review by the Assembly Committee on Local Governments.
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